Identity Theft

Staying Safe Beyond the Headlines: Practical Lessons from Consumer Protection Week Every year, National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) serves as a crucial reminder of the scams and frauds that target everyday people. While the official events and announcements from agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are valuable, the real test comes in applying that awareness to our daily digital lives long after the week is over. The advice highlighted during NCPW 2026 isn’t just for a single week—it’s a set of essential practices for navigating an increasingly complex online world. ...

Don’t Get Tricked: Key Scam Trends to Watch in 2026 If you feel like scam attempts are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, you’re not imagining it. Each year, fraudsters refine their tactics, using new technologies and psychological tricks to catch people off guard. To help consumers fight back, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held a webinar during National Consumer Protection Week, detailing the latest scam trends they’re tracking. ...

Don’t Just Be a Consumer, Be a Protected One: Lessons from NCPW 2026 Every year, as winter turns to spring, there’s a week dedicated not to a holiday or a season, but to you: the consumer. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is a coordinated campaign to highlight your rights and arm you against fraud. As we look ahead to NCPW 2026, the core message remains critically urgent. Scams aren’t going away; they’re just putting on new disguises. This week serves as your annual reminder and refresh course on how to spot them, stop them, and safeguard what’s yours. ...

Stay Ahead of Scammers: Key Takeaways from the FTC’s Latest Update Keeping up with the latest tricks used by scammers can feel like a full-time job. Just as you learn to spot one scheme, another emerges. That’s why the consistent advice from consumer protection experts is so valuable. During a recent National Consumer Protection Week webinar, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlighted ongoing and evolving scam trends that every consumer should know. The core message remains clear: awareness is your first and most powerful line of defense. ...

The Scams in Your Inbox Right Now: What the FTC Says is Changing If you feel like you’re hearing about more scams lately, you’re not imagining it. Fraud is evolving, becoming more sophisticated and harder to spot. Recently, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to shed light on the latest trends they’re seeing. The goal wasn’t to scare people, but to arm them with the knowledge to fight back. ...

What We Learned About Fighting Scams During Consumer Protection Week The annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) has wrapped up for 2026. Led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), this event serves as a focused reminder that scams are constantly evolving, and our defenses need to keep pace. While the designated week is a catalyst for awareness, the advice it highlights is designed for year-round use. This year’s messages cut through the noise, zeroing in on some of the most pervasive and costly tricks targeting people today. ...

Gift Card Scams Are Surging: How to Spot Them and Protect Your Money A new public alert from D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb is putting a spotlight on a persistent and costly threat: gift card scams. While the warning was issued to District residents in December 2025, the tactics described are used against people nationwide every single day. These scams rely on pressure, deception, and the irreversible nature of gift card payments to steal millions from unsuspecting consumers. ...

How to Spot and Stop the Latest Scams: Insights from the FTC’s Consumer Protection Week Scammers never take a holiday, but every March, consumer advocates do get a powerful platform to fight back. During National Consumer Protection Week, agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ramp up their efforts to educate the public. A recent FTC webinar, as highlighted in industry coverage, served as a critical update on the evolving tactics fraudsters are using to separate people from their money and personal information. Staying informed isn’t just about awareness; it’s your first and most effective line of defense. ...

Gift Card Scams Are Surging: Here’s How to Protect Yourself If someone demands payment with a gift card, it’s a scam. Full stop. That’s the unequivocal warning from Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who issued a direct alert to District of Columbia residents in December 2025. This official notice highlights a disturbing and persistent trend: fraudsters are increasingly manipulating victims into purchasing gift cards under false pretenses, leading to rapid, irreversible financial loss. While the alert targeted local residents, the tactics described are a nationwide problem. Understanding how these scams work is your first and best defense. ...

The Latest Scam Tactics and How to Fight Back Every year, National Consumer Protection Week serves as a critical reminder to review our digital defenses. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar to outline the most pervasive and evolving scams currently threatening consumers. While the tactics may shift, the core goal of fraudsters remains the same: to steal your money or personal information through deception. ...